Country Music Fashionistas

       As a Texan, I feel like it’s our duty to listen to country music. I happen to LOVE it, but others may just be familiar with it from the millions of radio stations, stores, restaurants and dance halls that proudly play the catchy tunes throughout Texas. With the genre of country music comes the Academy of Country Music Awards. The Academy of Country Music was originally founded to promote country music in the western states, but now it has blossomed into a glamorous night to honor country’s best performers. Some of the most prestigious awards include “Artist of the Decade” and “Entertainer of the Year.”
         Surprise, surprise…guess who took the title of “Entertainer of the Year?” You guessed it (well hopefully you did), it’s non other than Taylor Swift! The country princess also takes the cake for one of my favorite looks gracing the ACM red carpet.

          The lovely country couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert both snagged awards with Blake taking “Male Vocalist of the Year” and Miranda winning “Female Vocalist of the Year.” Miranda also won “Album of the Year” with Four the Record. The two looked phenomenal walking the red carpet together.
           I was beyond excited to see that Lady Antebellum received “Vocal Group of the Year” and that Texas country group Eli Young Band won “Song of the Year” for Crazy Girl. Other awards went to Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, and newcomer Scotty McCreery.

            Enough of the music awards, it’s time to focus on the fashion awards. The ACM awards red carpet was definitely more conservative than the VMAs and the Grammys. There were a few more cowboy boots and hats floating around for the men’s attire, while the women mostly wore long gowns. The ACM red carpet reflected country music’s class while steering away from big hair and bad accents. 

The Award for Best New Look goes to...Taylor Swift 

Photo from: http://www.justjared.com/taylor-swift-acm-awards-2012-red-carpet/

It’s finally time for the 22 year old to step out of her comfort zone and show some edgier styles far away from her princess gowns. She sported new bangs and a sleek and sophisticated J. Mendel gown adorned with Christian Louboutin shoes and simple Lorrain Schwartz jewelry. She's definitely blossomed into a fashionista. 

The Award for Best Dressed Couple goes to...Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban 

Photo from: http://myfashionjuice.com/academy-of-country-music-awards/

Both rocking black on the red carpet, the couple looked stunning. The actress, who was there to support her husband, wore a sleek L’Wren Scott little black dress. The mesh top with the collar gave her a 1950’s vibe. She complimented the black with red strappy Manolo Blahnik heels and Cartier jewelry. 

The Award for Most Entertaining Presenter goes to...Ashton Kutcher 

Photo from: http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20267558

Kutcher donned a black cowboy hat, bright red blazer and western belt buckle for the evening as he presented the award for female vocalist of the year to Miranda Lambert. He was charming and funny as always (at least I thought), but his silly antics left other country music performers annoyed. He sang part of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” which didn’t go over well with the stars themselves. “Was Ashton Kutcher making fun of country or is it just me? Watching it back now and I’m kind wondering?” tweeted Miranda Lambert after the ceremony. Kutcher Tweeted back to the accusations writing: “I am one of the biggest country music fans you’ve ever met. Wasn’t making fun at all.” 

The Award for Most Elegant goes to...Carrie Underwood 

Photo from: http://shine.yahoo.com/fashion

Underwood looked stunning in a silky chiffon white strapless and embellished gown by Abed Mahfouz. The white dress looks heavenly adorned with silver Oscar de la Rents shoes, Johnathon Amdt jewelry and a Swarovski crystal clutch. Although she didn’t get too wild with the color, the classy and refreshing soft white was one of my favorite looks on the carpet.